Michael Jackson's producer of the "This Is It" tour just got a break in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Katherine Jackson -- he's been dropped as a defendant ... TMZ has learned.
Kenny Ortega was sued by Katherine, who claimed he was part of AEG's alleged plan to give Michael anything he needed in order for him to perform.
Katherine's lawyer, Kevin Boyle, tells TMZ, "Based on recently discovered information, the Jackson family has determined that Mr. Ortega should not be a defendant," adding, "The Jackson Family apologizes for any discomfort or inconvenience this may have caused Mr. Ortega."
It's always a discomfort to be sued for wrongful death.
Is this more proof that KO was not under contract with AEG? Any new thoughts on who held his contract in relationship to TII production? And now he is off the hook, isn't he? :(
Last Edited by on Feb 02, 2011 10:33 AM
I was just sitting here and reading the Jan 26th court filing document in the link posted above.
I am so very happy to hear Katherine's case got the green light at this juncture, taking into consideration the language used within the document and how it attempts to downplay and discredit her claim felt as though there was a good chance the judge could throw the case out.
You can clearly see in the condescending tone of the document that AEG was desperately trying their best to wriggle their way out of this one by downplaying their involvement in hiring Murray.
Last Edited by on Feb 02, 2011 8:22 PM
Judge Tentatives Rules Joe Jackson Can Move Forward With Murray Negligence Claim (CNS) Posted Wednesday April 13, 2011 – 3:20pm
A judge tentatively ruled today that singer Michael Jackson's father can move forward with a negligence claim against a Las Vegas pharmacy concerning the death of his son.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson -- who will hear arguments from attorneys tomorrow before issuing a final ruling -- says the details in the suit filed Nov. 30 establish a basic case for negligence against Applied Pharmacy Services.
Joe Jackson's suit alleges company officials shipped propofol to the entertainer's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, at a residential address in Santa Monica even though they should have known the amounts were excessive and not going to be used for legitimate medical purposes.
Federal regulations prohibit pharmacies from shipping certain drugs like propofol, typically used in a clinical setting during surgery, to a location not registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The entertainer died June 25, 2009, at age 50 of acute propofol intoxication.
Lawyers for the pharmacy maintain the company had no obligation to warn the singer of the drug's effects and that Murray's alleged actions caused his death.
The 82-year-old Jackson family patriarch also sued Murray in the same lawsuit, alleging wrongful death.
The physician's lawyers maintain he waited too long to file the case, but Johnson has asked for more information before ruling on a motion to dismiss the part of the case against Murray.
Murray has pleaded not guilty in a separate criminal case in which he is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.
Jury selection in his trial is under way in downtown Los Angeles.
Joe Jackson initially filed a wrongful death claim against Murray in U.S. District Court last June 25. However, a federal judge declined to hear the case and said it should be brought in Superior Court.
The complaint alleges Murray was negligent in administering propofol to Jackson and that he did not tell paramedics that he gave the singer the drug.
A judge considering Katherine Jackson's negligence lawsuit against AEG Live today said that she wants more time to decide if it should be consolidated with one filed by the late King of Pop's father.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos said she would study the issue. Katherine Jackson's estranged husband, Joe, is suing Dr. Conrad Murray, alleging wrongful death in Michael Jackson's June 25, 2009, death due to complications from an overdose of propofol.
"Maybe it will stay here,' the judge said, "maybe it won't.'
Palazuelos said she wants to talk to presiding Judge Carolyn Kuhl before making a final decision.
Lawyers for Katherine Jackson and AEG Live say they do not want the case linked in any way with a Joe Jackson's case against Murray. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.
Joe Jackson's case -- now before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson -- alleges Murray was negligent in administering propofol to Jackson and that he did not tell paramedics that he gave the singer the drug. Johnson this week denied a motion by Murray's attorneys to dismiss the case on grounds it was not filed on time.
The Jackson family patriarch's lawyer, Brian Oxman, filed a "notice of related cases' with Palazuelos. Oxman said he is agreeable to either Palazuelos or Johnson hearing the case.
Katherine Jackson's suit alleges AEG Live is responsible for the medical decisions made by Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge.
Because Katherine Jackson's is the older of the two lawsuits, Superior Court rules say Palazuelos is the one who makes the decision whether to have both of them before her.
Lawyers for AEG Live say the cases have nothing to do with each other.
"Whereas the vast majority of the factual allegations in Joseph Jackson's complaint concern the day of Michael Jackson's death and subsequent events, the allegations in Katherine Jackson's complaint almost entirely concern events prior to Michael Jackson's death,' the AEG Live court papers state.
Katherine Jackson's lawyers concur, saying in their court papers that her case has "the distinct factual and legal issues of AEG's direct negligence and whether or not it employed Dr. Conrad Murray.'
Katherine Jackson To Manage Case Filed By Her Husband (CNS) Posted Tuesday May 3, 2011 – 10:25am A judge presiding over Katherine Jackson's negligence lawsuit against AEG Live said today she will also manage a case filed by the late King of Pop's father.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos's ruling on Monday does not consolidate the cases into one, but does mean that Joe Jackson's case will no longer be heard by a separate judge.
Joe Jackson is suing Dr. Conrad Murray, alleging wrongful death in Michael Jackson's June 25, 2009, death due to complications from an overdose of propofol. Katherine Jackson's suit alleges AEG Live is responsible for the medical decisions made by Murray.
Lawyers for Katherine Jackson and AEG Live said they preferred not having the case linked with the other lawsuit.
Joe Jackson's case -- which until now was before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson -- alleges Murray was negligent in administering propofol to Jackson and that he did not tell paramedics that he gave the singer the drug.
Murray is also criminally charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death and his trial was delayed this week from May 9 until September.
The issue of whether the Jackson lawsuits should be assigned to one judge came about when the Jackson family patriarch's lawyer, Brian Oxman, filed a ``notice of related cases' with Palazuelos. Oxman said he was agreeable to either Palazuelos or Johnson hearing the case.
Because Katherine Jackson's is the older of the two lawsuits, Superior Court rules stated that Palazuelos should make the decision whether to have both of them before her.
Palazuelos heard arguments last Wednesday and took the matter under submission.
Lawyers for AEG Live said the cases have nothing to do with each other.
``Whereas the vast majority of the factual allegations in Joseph Jackson's complaint concern the day of Michael Jackson's death and subsequent events, the allegations in Katherine Jackson's complaint almost entirely concern events prior to Michael Jackson's death,' the AEG Live court papers stated.
Katherine Jackson's lawyers concurred, saying in their court papers that her case has ``the distinct factual and legal issues of AEG's direct negligence and whether or not it employed Dr. Conrad Murray.'
Dr. Conrad Murray Requesting Dismissal Of Wrongful Death Lawsuit
By Jen Heger - Radar Legal Editor
Dr. Conrad Murray is asking a judge to throw out the wrongful death lawsuit that Michael Jackson's father, Joe filed against the King of Pop's one time physician, Radaronline.com can exclusively report.
Lawyers for Dr. Murray filed the legal docs last Friday, arguing that Joe Jackson doesn't have legal standing to even file the lawsuit -- Michael left his father, Joe out of his will and did not support him financially.
The legal docs state: "Joe Jackson further has no standing to sue pursuant to...in that he was not dependent upon the decedent for support and therefore Joe Jackson has no subject matter jurisdiction, alternatively, in personam jurisdiction to sue....Defendants request that the Plaintiff's case be dismissed, alternatively, that the Plaintiff go forth without recovery from these Defendants."
Why doesn't Joe Jackson just show (through the information out there on the internet and eyewitnesses) that he WAS closer to his son since the last will was drafted.
http://www.sawfnews.com/Gossip/61059.aspx
I do not believe the "2002 will" was the last will drafted by Michael, but for the sake of argument, things can change (and did according to Joe) in that time period of years since the last will. Additionally, I remember reading that Michael Jackson's will wasn't drafted well.
My understanding is that the "estate attorneys" have moved Katherine and Michael's children out of the family home and into another residence. The estate is paying the living expenses. This is not the same as providing Katherine and the children with an income or them benefiting in any way from the millions being taken in by the estate attorneys.
I separate out the term estate attorneys because normally the estate is to the benefit of the heirs. This does not seem to be the case here.
Joe Jackson Wants To Add AEG Live As Defendent In Murray Lawsuit
(CNS) Posted Thursday June 30, 2011 – 9:25am
Lawyers for Michael Jackson's father wants to add AEG Live as a defendant in his lawsuit alleging the actions of his son's former personal physician contributed to the singer's death.
Court papers filed this week by Joe Jackson's attorneys, Brian Oxman and Maureen Jaroscak, allege AEG Live was negligent in the hiring of Dr. Conrad Murray.
The singer's mother, Katherine Jackson, is suing the company in a separate lawsuit in which she alleges AEG Live is responsible for medical decisions made by Murray.
Lawyers for AEG have denied any wrongdoing by their client, which had organized the sold-out London concert tour for which the entertainer was preparing in Los Angeles at the time of his June 25, 2009, death.
Joe Jackson's amended complaint alleges AEG Live officials were unhappy with his son's absence from rehearsals and blamed it on him receiving drugs and medications from various physicians, including the singer's dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein.
The company then hired Murray, according to the amended suit.
Attorneys for Murray have agreed to the addition of AEG Live as a defendant, but still need the approval of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos, who has scheduled a hearing for Sept. 6.
Joe Jackson alleges Murray is liable for wrongful death in his son's death, which was death due to complications from an overdose of propofol.
He alleges Murray was negligent in administering propofol to the singer and that the physician did not tell paramedics that he gave his patient the drug.
Murray is awaiting trial in September on an involuntary manslaughter charge in the pop star's death.
according to Dieter Wiesner, whom I had asked about Michael´s relationship to his father, he said that Michael had not the relationship to him that he had wished all of his life BUT - and that´s wrong with the " "estate" - had paid him a certain amount of money monthly. So this is another fake of this will - and that´s my personal conviction - like the whole "will" is a fake !
And good that Joe Jackson pointed out to Dieter Wiesner´s book that will be published soon as well.
at the following link: http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/08/exclusive-michael-jackson-signed-aeg-contract-stating-he-had-no-known-health
There is quite a bit of analysis on this site:
Michael Jackson’s agreement with AEG – FRAUD from the very start of it? part 1
http://vindicatemj.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/michael-jacksons-agreement-with-aeg-a-contract-or-a-letter-of-intent/ (there are 5 parts in all to the above post)
Bonnie posted this following link in the trial thread prior to the start of the trial. This is a good summary.
AEG Live Entertainment and Dr. Tohme Tohme in a game against Michael Jackson. FRAUD, LIES AND DEVILISH INTENTIONS
This provides a lot of credibility for Rowe since he states all of this in his book.
Michael was clearly upset in the first session that I did with him about being forced to do things he did not want to do and people wanting a piece of him. Boy, is that an understatement.
If the contracts actually say what is being claimed in the lawsuit they are not customary to the industry in any way. Of course I have said this before. It is clear that no attorney looked at the AEG deal for the "This is It" tour. Never has an artist had to use their assets as collateral for a concert tour. It is unheard of, period!
This could get very interesting as the estate attorneys have left this open to naming others. If they are successful with this lawsuit, the AEG contract with Michael for "This is It" will be null and void as will be AEG's claim with Lloyds of London and Lloyds suit against AEG. The timing is also interesting. AEG no longer needs this contract as the estate attorneys have place them on the Immortal Tour. No harm will come to them.
They could have gone after Tohme from day one, so why wait until now when the Immortal Tour has just launched internationally? They need to make the Lloyds lawsuit go away, since Lloyds has no interest in a cover up and the ugly truth might come out as a result. This will take care of that issue. It could also dismiss the family lawsuits against AEG if Tohme is deemed the culprit and monies are returned to the estate. I have to give these guys credit; they are elegant in their shenanigans.
The above article states: "Tohme sued Jackson's estate in September 2010, shortly before the release of the documentary This Is It." There seems to be a typo in this as the TII movie was released in October of 2009, which would have placed Tohme's lawsuit back into September 2009.
Yes, Bonnie This does give a lot of credibility to Leonard Rowe. Unconscionable is right. In his analysis of what happened to Michael businesswise in the last months of his life, Rowe places strong emphasis on what he calls "despicalbe and deplorable" actions on the part of AEG. As per Leonard Rowe's analysis AEG swindled Michael through the Promissory notes purportedly signed by Michael. These notes were worded in a way that all of Michael's assets, which were under the umbrella of Michael's company, were deemed collateral were he to forfeit on the terms of these notes. Basically if Michael does not perform and defaults his assets were to be handed over to AEG to be disposed of however they see fit. Tohme and AEG together were a deadly combination around Michael.
Interesting how there are countless articles springing up out there essentially repeating the same - the estate going after Tohme. There is only one article from TMZ which states Tohme's case.
I agree. It appears the stage is being set to make Tohme the next "fall guy" and the only party who wronged Michael in the AEG deal, with AEG set to come out in the clear. I guess now we are expected to believe AEG was not aware of the wording of the contracts?
Last Edited by on Feb 21, 2012 9:44 AM
Interesting that AEG claims Michael was estranged from Joe Jackson. This video proves otherwise.
Note from Irina: The reason I focused on this is that in the last article posted in the Michael Jackson - Civil lawsuits update thread it states:
"At the time Michael Jackson died, (his father) was estranged from his son, who repeatedly and publicly accused him of physical and other abuse," according to the AEG Live court papers.
As we know and see from the video, and from Leonard Rowe's account, and from Chef Dougls B. Jone's account of Joe being locked out of the house on the day he arrived for work, as well as numerous articles that were online just a few months ago this was not the case.
Love, Irina
Last Edited by on Feb 22, 2012 12:52 PM
Thank you for posting the video and note above Bonnie. The suppression of truth which we are observing is simply astounding.
___________________________________________
On May 15th, 2009, a meeting between Michael, Joe, Katherine, Rowe, Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware WAS held.
Here is additional validation taken from Frank DiLeo's interview on Larry King Live in addition to that of Leonard Rowe including it in his book, as well as multiple articles that have disappeared from the web inspite of many blogs still listing the May 15th meeting in their timelines because of the very existence of those articles.
Ling & Lee On Way Home Now; Shooting in Pennsylvania; Interview with Michael Jackson's Manager; Michael Jackson's Manager Describes Day of Jackson's Death
Aired August 4, 2009 - 21:00 ET
Interview excerpt:
"KING: We're back with Michael Jackson's manager Frank DiLeo, in our exclusive appearance. Jim Moret, chief correspondent of "Inside Edition." What can you tell us about a meeting at the Beverly Hills Hotel, attended by Michael and his father Joe, before the concert tour? What was that all about?
DILEO: Here is what happened. That was the one day I happened to be out of town. Joseph wanted to have a meeting with Leonard Rowe, Michael, Randy Phillips and me, and Paul [Gongaware]. Katherine came to the meeting. It was at the Beverly Hills Hotel in a bungalow.
They got there early. Michael stayed in his car until Randy and Paul came. I was out of town. They went in. They had a meeting. Joe asked all these questions, him and Leonard. Randy answered them.
KING: You heard all this from Randy?
DILEO: I heard it from Michael.
KING: Oh.
DILEO: OK. This is May 15th. That is a Friday..."
Last Edited by on Feb 23, 2012 3:54 PM
Judge orders Michael Jackson's mother to answer more questions in lawsuit against AEG
Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 7:27 pm
Attorneys for AEG Live won a round in court Tuesday when a judge ordered Michael Jackson's mother and his three children to answer more questions about their lawsuit accusing the entertainment conglomerate of negligently hiring Dr. Conrad Murray to care for the late King of Pop.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos also said AEG Live can continue taking Katherine Jackson's deposition, which began last week but is still incomplete.
Jackson was set to perform a string of 50 shows in London for AEG Live, but he died June 25, 2009 of acute propofol intoxication in Los Angeles while rehearsing for the concert series.
The negligence suit was filed in September 2010 by Katherine Jackson on behalf of herself and her son's three children, Michael Jr., Paris-Michael Katherine and Prince Michael, alleging the company was negligent in hiring Murray.
The complaint also alleges AEG Live is responsible for the medical decisions made by Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death and was sentenced Tuesday to four years in prison.
AEG Live attorney Marvin Putnam said he was pleased with the ruling, because the judge ordered everything the defense wanted except for monetary sanctions covering the cost of bringing the motion. He said Katherine Jackson's lawyers cannot make "heinous'' allegations in a lawsuit, then refuse to show proof. Putnam has called the lawsuit a "shakedown'' of AEG Live.
However, plaintiffs' attorney Kevin Boyle said the AEG Live motion was "typical defense gamesmanship.'' During the hearing, Boyle claimed some of the questions AEG Live posed to Jackson's children were highly personal, including whether they had anything in their diary indicating their father "was going to kill himself.''
AEG Live lawyers maintain the firm was not Murray's employer. They say Katherine Jackson has not provided all the information she has to show that AEG hired Murray to be her late son's exclusive doctor as he prepared for the tour.
But Boyle said his side provided an extensive response, including statements from two AEG Live executives that Murray was given the job as the singer's physician. Attorney Jessica Stebbins, also representing AEG Live, said many of the responses the plaintiffs provided only arrived in her office Monday. Boyle replied that some of the answers took significant time to obtain, but he declined to elaborate, citing attorney-client privilege.
Boyle said he also may move later to amend the complaint further and to ask Palazuelos to appoint a third-party "discovery referee.'' The referee, typically a retired judge, would sort out the materials exchanged between boh sides and make recommendations to the judge.
Stebbins said she was not sure a discovery referee is necessary, but would agree to have one if both sides concur on the person serving the role. She also said she may ask Palazuelos to postpone the trial date, now set for Sept. 10, because of the delays in getting the information needed in preparing AEG Live's defense.
Last Edited by on Apr 26, 2012 8:50 AM
It seems that AEG is in a bit of a tricky situation here, since they have claimed that Michael was in good health and had no issues with prescription medications or any type of health issues that might hinder his ability to perform. This was their stance regarding the Lloyd's of London insurance contract, was it not?
Lloyds claims to have not been informed of Michael's excessive prescription medication use and the excessive use of Propofol and Demerol by Dr. Murray and Dr. Klein, respectively. AEG's way out of any responsibility in this issue is to claim Michael insisted on having Murray as his doctor, and some blame was deflected or shifted to Klein during Murray's trial.
So, they've gone from insisting Michael was in perfect health, able to do 50 concerts and did not have any medical issues or prescription medication issues (very important for their lawsuit with Lloyds of London to get that $17 million, which Lloyd's does not feel it should have to pay since their claim is that they were never informed of Michael's prescription and medication use, and Michael did not complete his second required physical) to changing their position now in regards to their lawsuit with Katherine Jackson.
Which is it, AEG? You can't take one position or one stand on this issue in your lawsuit with Lloyd's of London and then do an about-face in your lawsuit with Katherine Jackson.
I'd say this is laughable, except that it isn't even remotely funny.
Edited to fix a typo - and to add that AEG seems to want and need two differing and opposing stances or positions. I wonder if they'll end up trapping themselves with their own contradictions in time. . .
Last Edited by on May 16, 2012 4:35 PM
I wish I had personal access to Katherine and her attorneys. Then again, information can be sent via snail mail, but I don't have anything to offer that I haven't sent her already. Wonder if she ever received it.
A judge has denied a request by AEG Live for a levy of $50,000 in fines against Michael Jackson’s mother and her lawyers, who the entertainment giant alleged were the likely source of leaks of some of its internal email excerpts to the news media.
I don't understand how Michael Amir Williams can file a lawsuit when he was never a beneficiary of Michael's contract with AEG or part of the family. He was only an employee. Is Williams another person trying to get money off of Michael's death?
Technically he was. You may want to recall that, at the time and on into the planned concerts, AEG was footing the entire bill. http://www.scribd.com/doc/113288582/Michael-Amir-Williams-V-AEGLive
I found the artical below today that will explain I bit better as to what I am trying to say:
"AEG's lawyer, Marvin Putnam of O'Melveny & Myers, calls the lawsuit "frivolous" and "truly unfortunate."
"This lawsuit is clearly frivolous; it is literally barred by at least four different legal doctrines," Putnam said in a statement provided to TheWrap. "The easiest is that Mr. Williams was a personal employee of Michael Jackson's, and was never a beneficiary of Mr. Jackson's contract with AEG Live. As such he has no legal standing to sue on that contract. Nor can he legally bring a claim for Mr. Jackson's wrongful death. The idea that Mr. Williams purports to sue on behalf of the many persons who did enter into relationships with AEG Live and Jackson in connection with the This Is It Tour, and with whom AEG Live parted ways with the utmost friendship and respect, is disgraceful. It is truly unfortunate that so many see Mr. Jackson's demise as an opportunity to grab as much for themselves as possible. This is just the latest wrongful death lawsuit with someone hoping to profit from Michael Jackson's tragic death in the same way they profited from his life."
Williams' suit alleges breach of express terms of contract; breach of implied terms of contract; and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, plus court costs and attorneys' fees.
At this website: http://music.yahoo.com/news/michael-jacksons-assistant-files-class-action-lawsuit-against-194929505.html
I would think it would be the same as Michael's father trying to sue.
Hope he will survive to tell what he really knows and in that case THAT he will cooperate and really tell what he knows.... Also he knows to better not underestimate those who brought him into jail as the one and only guilty in Michael´s murder. They sailed him down the river once and they will do it again - just to silence him. I would not like to be in his shoes.... And Michael and the Jackson family I wish to be protected and win the court case against AEG. Time is overdue for the whole truth to finally come to Light !
Dr. Conrad MurrayOrdered to Testifyin MJ Wrongful Death Suit
Exclusive
Katherine Jackson is getting her way ... a judge just ordered Dr. Conrad Murray to spill the beans in her wrongful death lawsuit against AEG.
According to legal docs, Mrs. Jackson wants Murray to testify about comments he made in his documentary, in which Murray said an AEG honcho told him, Jackson was on "death skid row" and AEG owned "the toilet paper he wipes his ass with" and "the f**kin' popsicles that his children are sucking on" and "if he doesn't get the show done he's over."
Mrs. Jackson thinks Murray's comments will help convince a jury AEG played fast and loose with her son's life, and that they happily hired the reckless doctor to care for him.
Murray fought the subpoena for his depo, but now he'll have to take the oath next month.
looks like its getting very intreasting now.....the truth will prevail. Id forgotton Murray didnt testify at the trail..how was that allowed to happen?? I really dont understand it. i guess a `bought` trial....i rememeber RP questioning wasnt very impressive which led me to believe it was just for show and he was never ever going to be shown to be responsible.....big $$$$$$ at stake....but great that Its all slowly being brought into the light..Now is the time.
Why is Wass advising Murray to take the 5th? Isn't this his chance to take AEG down along with himself? Interesting to see how this plays out? As I see it tables can turn in any direction where $$$ is at the center of the playing field.
Thank you Bonnie! This is very encouraging. So many cover ups & fraud coming to light so quickly now. It's about time! Heads will begin to roll soon, hopefully.
Its all happening, slowly...everything thats rotten is being exposed to the light. i believe Micheals death has a far greater purpose. my spiritual teacher i worked with said nothing is an accident....i think this eventually will uncover all the dirt that the music business really has become. It may take time but there seems to be layers of corruption on many levels..money, power greed......cant wait..karma comes around quickly nowadays
I believe you are right. The consciousness field is operating at a much more accelerated level. I believe this is why we are seeing time speed up and light is being shed on the darkness here in a much more pronounced way and a lot of karmic energy resolving itself. Michael's death was certainly a catalyst for many.
Conrad MurrayTo Take the 5thIn Katherine Jackson Suit
Exclusive
Sounds a little weird, but Conrad Murray -- who has already been convicted and serving time for killing Michael Jackson -- will exercise his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in KatherineJackson's lawsuit against AEG.
Michael's mom is suing AEG, claiming the company negligently hired and supervised Murray, which resulted in her son's death. Katherine has subpoenaed Murray to explain his arrangement with AEG.
Sources connected with the case tell TMZ ... Murray's lawyer, Valerie Wass, will file legal docs ... arguing she is appealing Murray's conviction, and if it's overturned it's likely he'd be re-tried. If that happens, what he says could still be used against him, so Wass wants Murray to keep his trap shut.
It's pretty crazy, since Murray has already served almost a year-and-a-half. By the time his case is appealed, he'll probably be out.
THANK YOU BONNIE FOR ALL THE INFOS AND UPDATES! I am soooo keeping my fingers crossed that this trial will bring truth! ---------- "...be alive, be free, feel consciousness, subsciousness, being GOD..." MJ
Judge sets rules for lawsuit by Michael Jackson’s mother over doctor’s hiring
Matt Sayles, File/Associated Press - FILE - In this April 27, 2011 file photo, Katherine Jackson poses for a portrait in Calabasas, Calif. A Los Angeles judge set the stage Thursday, March 21, 2013, for trial of a civil suit by Michael Jackson’s mother against concert giant AEG Live. Katherine Jackson claims the company negligently hired the doctor later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death.
By Associated Press,
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles judge set the stage Thursday for trial of a civil suit by Michael Jackson’s mother against concert giant AEG Live.
Katherine Jackson claims the company negligently hired the doctor later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death and failed to oversee him. She and the singer’s two eldest children are expected to testify about the singer’s last days.
.
Legal rulings by Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos anticipated a three-month trial that will revisit events preceding the singer’s death from an anesthetic overdose in 2009.
Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted of manslaughter for administering the drug propofol, is not named in the lawsuit. But the judge agreed to allow him to be brought to court from jail to testify outside the jury’s presence. He has said he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to testify. But lawyers said he could possibly talk about non-criminal issues.
The judge said jury selection would begin April 2 and attorneys estimated the search for a panel could be long and difficult because of the notoriety of the parties and the estimated length of the trial.
The judge granted several plaintiff’s motions and rejected a few.
She refused to bar AEG from raising the subject of child molestation charges against Jackson from years ago. Lawyers for his mother claim it’s irrelevant because he was acquitted.
Katherine Jackson’s attorney, Kevin Boyle, argued that “There is nothing more prejudicial than dropping that bomb in court, mentioning child molestation.”
But Palazuelos said she would allow testimony that Jackson became despondent and reliant on drugs because of the charges.
She refused to approve inquiry into the finances of Jackson’s siblings and barred any testimony about a claim that Katherine Jackson was kidnapped by family members and taken to Arizona last year.
She wouldn’t permit AEG lawyers to ask questions about possible discord in the marriage of Katherine and Joe Jackson and she barred any inquiry into the identity of the biological parents of Jackson’s three children.
Katherine Jackson’s suit seeks hundreds of millions of dollars from AEG including $200 million in non-economic damages, including emotional distress.
The case centers on whether AEG did an appropriate investigation of Murray and whether they controlled him while he was preparing Jackson for a series of concerts in London.
During arguments, the question arose of why Katherine Jackson did not sue Murray. Attorneys disclosed that Jackson’s son Prince and his daughter, Paris, testified in depositions that they believed Murray was “a good person” and didn’t want him sued. But Katherine Jackson, who had the decision, testified it was financial, they said.
The judge said AEG could have sued Murray as well.
“The same questions can be asked of you,” she told AEG lawyers. “Why didn’t you sue him?”
“Because we’re not required to,” attorney Marvin Putnam said.
The judge called the issue “a side show.”
“He has no money and that’s why they’re not suing him,” Putnam said.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Prince and Michael Jackson never worked together in their illustrious careers ... until now ... because TMZ has learned Katherine Jackson intends to call Prince as a witness in her wrongful death lawsuit against AEG.
As TMZ first reported, MJ's mom and three kids are seeking $40 billion in damages from AEG or its alleged negligent hiring and supervision of Dr. Conrad Murray.
According to docs filed earlier this month, Katherine's legal team plans to call nearly 100 witnesses ... with one of them being Prince.
It's curious, since Prince and MJ never collaborated, but we're hearing Katherine's legal team believes Prince had a bad experience with AEG in the past that could be relevant.
